A Mohammad Yousuf century on the second day has helped Pakistan further gain control of the fourth and final Test against England at the Oval..jpg)
The talented top order batsman turned on a strong performance with the bat to finish the day on 115 not out as Pakistan reached 336-3 in response to England's first innings of 163.
Despite 30 overs being lost to rain, Pakistan was still in firm control on the second day as Yousuf, supported admirably by Imran Farhat (91) and Mohammad Hafeez (95) made the England bowling attack pay for numerous errant deliveries.
Heading into the morning session on 91-1, Pakistan carried on where it left off as Yousuf added to his overnight total of 10.
England seamer Matthew Hoggard, however, proved to be a major thorn in the side of the hosts and he finally snared the wicket of Farhat after enticing the top-order batsman to edge a ball to Marcus Trescothick in the slips to end a 78-run stand.
Farhat's dismissal saw Hafeez, who was forced to retire hurt with a knee problem on the opening day, return to the crease.
Looking uncomfortable on eight when he left the ground, Hafeez was a changed man on day two as he began to find his form and the boundary.
With Hafeez and Yousuf powering Pakistan to a strong first innings lead, it was then Hoggard's chance to strike again and he did so in the penultimate over of the day when he had Hafeez caught at mid-wicket for 95.
The rain then tumbled down and Pakistan, with a real chance to secure its first Test victory in the series, could only watch and wait from the pavilion.
